canvasback

[ kan-vuh s-bak ]

/ ˈkæn vəsˌbæk /

a North American wild duck, Aythya valisineria, the male of which has a whitish back and a reddish-brown head and neck.

Origin of canvasback

An Americanism dating back to 1595–1605; after the canvaslike color of its back

Like most of the water-birds of America, the canvas-back is migratory.

The Hunters' Feast |Mayne Reid
I do not think it adds anything to the pleasure of the canvas-back duck to take it out of such glories.

Essays and Lectures |Oscar Wilde
At this point the canvas-back ducks were served, one whole shade of a bird for each guest.

A House-Boat on the Styx |John Kendrick Bangs
Similar to the guttural sound made by the Canvas-back, Redhead and other diving Ducks.

Color Key to North American Birds |Frank M. Chapman

A piece of canvas-back duck, at that moment in my throat, nearly choked me.

Jonathan and His Continent |Max O'Rell

canvasback

/ (ˈkænvəsˌbæk) /

a North American diving duck, Aythyra valisineria, the male of which has a white body and reddish-brown head